Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is now facing the toughest spell of his Sunderland regime, almost one year into his tenure.
After promising 'honesty and transparency', the Black Cats fanbase was rocked by the news that Stewart Donald, Juan Sartori and Charlie Methven owned combined shares worth 59 per cent of the club.
Fans were lead to believe that the Frenchman owned a 'majority' share in the club, and while he does indeed own the largest single amount of shares, it is not what fans had hoped for.
Kyril Louis-Dreyfus gives breakdown on Sunderland shares amid fans' ownership fears
Sunderland supporters were sold the dream of a 'new era' dawning on Wearside when Louis-Dreyfus completed his takeover at the club in February last year.
However, yesterday's revelation has only cast further doubt over Sunderland's ownership.
Madrox members have financial obligations and would need to sign off managerial appointments on Wearside, news that rocked the fanbase when they thought they'd seen the back of Donald and Methven.
The duo have both since said they would be happy to sell their shares in the club, but why have they not already?
Louis-Dreyfus must now answer questions to not only salvage his own reputation, but to try and get fans back on side.
It's taken 12 months for the club to be transparent,
Here are the questions that Louis-Dreyfus must now answer:
1. Why has it taken a year for shareholding information to be released?
2. How much did you buy the club for, was it anywhere near Stewart Donald's asking price and why do Madrox maintain such big shares in the club?
3. What influence do Donald, Sartori and Methven have on the day-to-day running of the club? Were they involved in the interview process for a new manager?
4. Can you buy Madrox's shares and do you plan on doing so, given they're happy to sell?
5. Why was the takeover sold as a 'new era' when the same faces remain behind the scenes?
6. Is he confident that the other members of his ownership group have the financial backing to reach the Premier League?
7. How much money have Madrox put into the club in the last year?
8. How do you plan on regaining the trust of fans and what would you say to them after this week's revelation?
